Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper) Tours

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A masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, the Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper) is a hallowed venue for opera fans. Each year, the auditorium hosts 350 Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and Vienna State Ballet (Wiener Staatsballett) performances, as well as the Vienna Opera Ball.

The Basics

Attending a concert at the Vienna State Opera is an unforgettable experience, but tickets sell out quickly so it's imperative to book in advance. Concerts by the Vienna Mozart Orchestra are a popular choice; the performers dress in traditional costumes and most tour packages include a gourmet dinner or Vienna walking tour in addition to the show. Alternatively, you can marvel at the magnificent facade on a sightseeing or hop-on hop-off bus tour of the city, or peek behind the scenes on a guided opera house tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

The dress code for concerts is smart evening attire; individuals wearing informal clothing such as short pants or leisurewear may be refused admission. Coats, jackets, and larger bags must be checked into the cloakroom.The use of cameras and smartphones is prohibited during performances.Children under 5 are not permitted at evening performances, but special matinée concerts for kids are held.The Vienna State Opera is wheelchair accessible, but wheelchair seating must be booked in advance.

How to Get There

The Vienna State Opera House is located on the Ring Road (Ringstrasse) in the historic center of Vienna, close to Hapsburg Palace and the Winter Palace of Prince Eugene. The opera house can be reached by public transport—the nearest subway (U-Bahn) station is Karlsplatz and the nearest tram station is Opernring.

When to Get There

Concerts are held year-round, but the main opera season starts in April. Most concerts are held in the evening, but there are also a number of matinées featuring choral groups, children's opera, and chamber music.

The History of the Vienna State Opera

Since opening its doors in 1869 with a gala performance of Mozart's Don Giovanni, the Vienna State Opera has become one of the most famous concert venues in the world, boasting a rich history and extensive repertoire. Past directors have included musical legends such as Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss, Herbert von Karajan, Karl Böhm, and Lorin Maazel. Director Dominique Meyer broke new ground by introducing live outdoor events and live streaming performances.

Experience Austria’s rich musical heritage with a performance from the Vienna Mozart Orchestra at the Vienna State Opera. Take your seat in the historic venue and travel back to the 18th century, as the orchestra performs Mozart’s famous works while dressed in period costumes. Upgrade to a VIP ticket to include a gourmet dinner, a Fiaker carriage ride to the concert, the chance to meet the performers backstage and more.

Experience Austria’s rich musical heritage with a performance from the Vienna Mozart Orchestra at the Vienna State Opera. Take your seat in the historic venue and travel back to the 18th century, as the orchestra performs Mozart’s famous works while dressed in period costumes. Upgrade to a VIP ticket to include a gourmet dinner, a Fiaker carriage ride to the concert, the chance to meet the performers backstage and more.

Explore sites related to Vienna’s long musical history on this private sightseeing tour. Known for its many composers and other musicians, from Beethoven to Brahms, Vienna is home to landmarks like the Vienna State Opera and Mozarthaus, where Mozart once lived. See these attractions and more with a private guide, who shares commentary about the city’s rich cultural history.

Experience the very best of Vienna on a 3-hour, private tour in a comfortable vehicle. See the architectural highlights of the city center, including Ringstrasse, Prater and the soaring spires of St. Stephen's Cathedral. Hear stories about the city’s kings, queens and revolutionaries, with flexibility to stop for photos of Vienna’s classic sights. Get beyond the city center to visit a soaring observation wheel, a baroque castle and the sprawling Schönbrunn palace while enjoying an insider’s perspective on Austria’s rich history and culture.

Explore the magnificent city of Vienna on this 3.5-hour city tour by coach, including admission into the Schönbrunn Palace without waiting time. Pass major attractions like the Hofburg Palace, City Hall and the Vienna State Opera as you drive along the famed Ringstrasse. Afterward, explore the lavish summer home of the Hapsburg monarchs, the Schönbrunn Palace. Skip the line at the entrance and learn the rich stories of its residents as you stroll from room to room.

Soak up 360-degree views of Vienna’s top attractions with a 1, 2 or 3 -day hop-on hop-off tour on a double-decker Big Bus. Pass Schönbrunn Palace, St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Belvedere, and more. Enjoy your choice between a classic, premium, or deluxe ticket option, along with access to two sightseeing routes, audio commentary on board, free wifi, and one walking tour. See this vibrant city at your own pace, hopping on and off at any of the stops. The deluxe upgrade also includes a panoramic night tour and scenic river cruise on the Danube.

Explore Salzburg's Mirabell Gardens and UNESCO-listed Old Town on this day trip from Vienna. Led by a local guide, enjoy the stunning drive to Salzburg, stopping at Lake Mondsee and winding through the Austrian Alps. Upon arriving, take a guided walking tour of Mozart's home town and visit the gardens of Mirabell Palace. Your day trip will conclude with transportation back to Vienna.

Get personalized attention on this 2-hour small-group walking tour of Vienna. With an intimate group of just 15 people or fewer, see highlights such as St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace. Learn about the history, culture, and famous residents of Vienna from your guide as you walk.

See Slovakia’s vibrant capital city on this day trip from Vienna to Bratislava. Led by an expert guide, explore the city’s top attractions, including Michael’s Gate and Grassalkovich Palace. Afterward, enjoy lunch and some free time to wander on your own. Upgrade your ticket to return to Vienna on a scenic Danube River cruise via high-speed catamaran.

Make this Christmas one to remember with this special Vienna tour that lets you take Polaroid pictures along the way. Pass important city sights such as the Austrian Parliament, Hofburg Palace, and St. Charles' Church. Plus, stroll through Christmas markets lit up and decorated with holiday cheer.

Visit three of Vienna’s most famous Christmas market areas on this walking tour of Austria’s capitol city. Listen to your guide tell you holiday stories about Christmas traditions important to locals as you make your way through the streets. See popular attractions, such St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Imperial Palace, and visit Christmas markets in Town Hall Square, Charles Square, and near Belvedere Palace.

Take control of your sightseeing itinerary on this private 3-hour art and history tour of Vienna. Alongside a private guide and chauffeur, you’ll cover unmissable Vienna attractions and have the option to customize your itinerary according to your interests. Tick off Vienna Opera House, Kunsthistorisches Museum, and the Old Town Hall, and visit the world-famous Prater amusement park and the Imperial Palace (Hofburg). Choose from a morning or afternoon departure and relish the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off on this private tour.

Get an insider’s look at Vienna’s thriving neighborhoods, historic landmarks and culture on a 2-hour, small-group tour with an experienced guide. Hear stories about life in the city as you follow your guide to hidden alleyways, elegant boulevards and the city’s most iconic monuments. Learn about the royal Habsburg dynasty and the legends of Hero Square then visit the sites of fierce battles in the Second World War. Enjoy the personal experience of a small-group tour, and discover the best places to eat, drink and live like a local.

If you’ve got limited time in Vienna, don’t miss this private 4-hour Vienna highlights tour, which includes skip-the-line entry to Schonbrunn Palace. Gain a comprehensive overview of Vienna alongside a private guide and chauffeur, and tick off highlights including Vienna Opera House, the Old Town Hall, and the Kunsthistorisches Museum, home to the Habsburg’s fabulous art collection. With a skip-the-line ticket, you’ll also bypass lines often in excess of one hour at the UNESCO-listed Schonbrunn Palace. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included on this customizable private tour.

Visit Vienna and Schönbrunn Palace with your own private guide, and enjoy the flexibility of a tour just for your sole group. The experience offers ultimate convenience with door-to-door transport direct from your hotel, a tour that takes in sights of landmarks like the Vienna State Opera, and entry to the UNESCO-listed Schönbrunn Palace. Even better: You’ll waste no time standing in lines with privileged skip-the-line entry.

Sightsee like a local by riding Vienna's Ring Tram, which lets you get to know the historical buildings that line the city's Ring Road (Ringstrasse). Listen to a recorded audio guide, available in eight different languages, to get a comprehensive lesson on Vienna's history, culture, and modern-day life. This easy and convenient tour allows you to ride all the way around the Ringstrasse on a single tram.

Cycle through the streets of Vienna on this 3-hour bike and city tour. Led by a local guide, pedal past top attraction such as the Albertina, St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Vienna State Opera, Stadtpark and Heldenplatz. As you travel along bike paths and quieter streets, your guide will discuss the fascinating stories behind each landmark. Enjoy your choice of a morning, afternoon or evening departure.

Enjoy a comprehensive, 5-day tour of Austria from Vienna to Salzburg. Spend four nights in 3- or 4-star hotels and explore the country’s top attractions and UNESCO-listed sites. See Mozart's birthplace and the Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg, and wander the grounds of Vienna’s spectacular Schonbrunn Palace. Learn the rich history of each city from your guide as you soak up a stunning overview of Austrian culture and landscape. Your trip will conclude with round-trip transportation back to Vienna.

See the best of Vienna by bike and by foot with this Super Saver, combining two popular tours at a 15% discount. Begin your morning with a guided walking tour through the Austrian capital, passing sites like the Hofburg Palace, Heroes’ Square and St Stephen’s Cathedral. Then continue your exploration in the afternoon by bike, following your guide around the famous Ringstrasse and to the Prater amusement park.

Cycle the streets of Vienna on this 3-hour biking tour of the city. Led by an expert guide, saddle up and see the bright hues of the Hundertwasserhaus and the iconic Ferris wheel at the Prater. You’ll also pass top sites like Hofburg Palace, City Hall and the Opera House, learning about the city’s history from your guide as you go. After three hours of sightseeing and fresh air, your tour will conclude at its original departure point.

Travel back in time with an evening of Mozart and old-world dining with this 4-hour Vienna package. Indulge in three courses of gourmet Austrian fare at the opulent Bristol Hotel, along with an aperitif. Afterward, make your way to the Vienna Konzerthaus to see a classical music performance from the renowned Vienna Mozart Orchestra. Soak up a selection of Mozart’s finest operas and symphonies as the company performs in period costumes.

Soak up all of the history, music and culture that Vienna has to offer with this sightseeing package. Visit Schonbrunn Palace, see a Strauss and Mozart classical concert and sample cake and coffee at the iconic Café Central. This package also includes a 3-course lunch or dinner, a guided city tour and a 72-hour Vienna Card, providing discounts to top attractions and free public transportation.

Travel by train on a scenic route through Austria and Hungary, and enjoy guided tours of their capitals: Vienna and Budapest. The 5-day package includes 4-star hotel accommodation with breakfast as well as plenty of free time to explore the cities, which are full of fine architecture and steeped in history. Discover UNESCO sites such as Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace, and learn about key Vienna and Budapest attractions during the guided tours.

Capture the Austrian capital through the lens of your camera on this 2.5-hour vintage photo tour with a Polaroid camera. Follow your guide through the city streets and discover photogenic attractions such as St Charles' Church, Vienna State Opera, Otto Wagner Pavilion, City Hall, Votive Church and Hofburg Palace. With your vintage Polaroid camera in hand, frame your shots and open the shutter. Listen as your guide shares handy tips and tricks to take the best shots, and perhaps see your old hobby in a new light.